1

sunburn

verb sun·burn \ ˈsən-ˌbərn \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Examples: sunburn in a Sentence

Definition of sunburn

sunburned play \ˈsən-ˌbərnd\ or sunburnt play \ˈsən-ˌbərnt\; sunburning

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

intransitive verb

: to become sunburned

See sunburn defined for kids

Recent Examples of sunburn from the Web

Cindie Allen-Stewart, of Mount Calm, shared her decades-old family secret on Facebook hoping to help some friends who, like her, are prone to sunburn despite using sunscreen.

— jennifer earl, Fox News, "Texas mom's viral sunburn hack works, but it's not 'magical cure,' dermatologists warn," 3 July 2018
The child’s head, sunburned under the blond velvet, rested on the woman’s strong arm.

— lauren groff, The New Yorker, "Under the Wave," 9 July 2017
If Tuohy were running barefoot, the bottom of her feet might be sunburned by the end of a long race.

— matthew futterman, New York Times, "America’s Next Great Running Hope, and One of the Cruelest Twists in Youth Sports," 8 June 2018
And now, aloe and hopefully goodbye to sunburn pain.

— amy bartner, Indianapolis Star, "Sunburns: Race weekend's top lobsters," 29 May 2018
After about six hours of sun exposure, 110 participants were sunburned on their SPF 50 side, and ten were sunburned on the SPF 100 side.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "Why Your Sunscreen Should Be SPF 100," 24 May 2018
Applying sunscreen to the entire area predisposed to sunburn is strongly recommended.

— patty khuly, miamiherald, "In summer, your light-skinned dogs need nontoxic sunscreen | Miami Herald," 3 May 2018
Expert fix: Though aloe has always been the go-to sunburn soother because of its ability to cool skin and take down redness, Dhaval G. Bhanusali, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City thinks hyaluronic acid is even more effective.

— nicole catanese, Cosmopolitan, "The 8 Most Annoying Skin Problems Every Girl Deals With," 24 Aug. 2017
So what's a girl (or guy) to do when faced with the dilemma of choosing a quick getaway in the months usually affiliated with debauchery, floating cocktails, and sunburns even worse than the all-day hangover?

— Marie Claire, "Cancun: Not Just a Spring Break Destination," 5 May 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunburn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sunburn

back-formation from sunburned, from sun + burned

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1530

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

2

sunburn

noun

Definition of sunburn

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

See sunburn defined for English-language learners

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

He has a bad sunburn.
Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Recent Examples of sunburn from the Web

Of course, just like sunburns, the best way to treat serious sun poisoning cases is to prevent them.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "The Symptoms of Sun Poisoning (and How to Treat Them)," 11 July 2018
In addition to posing risks for sunburns, direct sunlight during a heat wave can interfere with your body's ability to cool down on its own, and therefore lead to further dehydration.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "How to Stay Healthy During a Heat Wave," 4 July 2018
Along with sunburn, heat cramps are very common among athletes.

— shelby dermer, Cincinnati.com, "Parents and athletes: How to spot and treat heat-related illnesses this summer," 3 July 2018
My treatment of choice for sunburn (including blistering ones) is cold white petrolatum jelly.

— jennifer earl, Fox News, "Texas mom's viral sunburn hack works, but it's not 'magical cure,' dermatologists warn," 3 July 2018
This Wednesday night will see Americans nursing sunburns, packing up barbecue leftovers, and struggling to fall asleep amid the din of fireworks.

— refinery29.com, "The Moon Wants You To Pay Attention To Your Dreams On Wednesday Night," 2 July 2018
Lotions, foams and sprays that prevent sunburn are tested at 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin to determine the sun protection factor, or SPF.

— jo craven mcginty, WSJ, "The Burning Question: How Much Sunscreen?," 29 June 2018
Although fur provides a small barrier to the natural elements, everyone in your family is susceptible to a sunburn – even pups.

— Southern Living, "Here's How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting A Sunburn," 22 June 2018
When used correctly, sunscreens are designed to protect you against sunburns and skin cancer.

— lindsay carlton, Fox News, "The best sunscreens, according to a top dermatologist," 25 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunburn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sunburn

1584

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SUNBURN Defined for English Language Learners

sunburn

noun

Definition of sunburn for English Language Learners

: a condition in which your skin becomes sore and red from too much sunlight

SUNBURN Defined for Kids

1

sunburn

noun sun·burn \ ˈsən-ˌbərn \

Definition of sunburn for Students

: a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

2

sunburn

verb

Definition of sunburn for Students

sunburned \-ˌbərnd\ or sunburnt \-ˌbərnt\; sunburning

: to burn or discolor by exposure to the sun

Medical Dictionary

1

sunburn

transitive verb sun·burn \ -ˌbərn \

medical Definition of sunburn

sunburned play \-ˌbərnd\ or sunburnt play \-ˌbərnt\; sunburning

: to affect with sunburn

sunburned skin

2

sunburn

noun

medical Definition of sunburn

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight — called also erythema solare

Learn More about sunburn

See words that rhyme with sunburn Spanish Central: Translation of sunburn Nglish: Translation of sunburn for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sunburn

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